John Mitchell names England team for RWC 2025 final

England have named their matchday squad for Saturday’s Women’s Rugby World Cup final, with head coach John Mitchell keeping faith with the players that edged past France in Bristol last weekend.

Mitchell has resisted the temptation to tinker with his selection against Canada as the Red Roses chase a third World Cup title at a sold-out Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

That means Megan Jones, who was this week nominated for World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, and Jess Breach are set to start all six matches at the tournament.

Ellie Kildunne, who returned to the side with a Player-of-the-Match performance in the semi-final at Ashton Gate, continues at full-back. The team will once again be captained by Zoe Aldcroft, who lines up at blindside flanker.

Fixture

Women's Rugby World Cup

Canada Women

13 - 33

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England Women

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No.8 Alex Matthews is the sole survivor from England’s 21-9 victory against Canada in the 2014 World Cup final in Paris selected in the matchday squad 11 years on.

Mitchell said: “Our staff and players have worked hard to reach this stage of the tournament.

“Playing a World Cup final at Allianz Stadium in front of a record 82,000 is a significant milestone for the sport.

“We are well prepared for the challenge against Canada. It is No.1 versus No.2 in the world, and we know the contest will demand a full 80 minutes. Our focus remains on staying in our process and executing effectively.”

Red Roses team to play Canada:
15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 56 caps)
14 Abby Dow (Unattached, 58 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 32 caps)
12 Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 35 caps)
11 Jess Breach (Saracens, 52 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 64 caps)
9 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 86 caps)
1 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 61 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 88 caps)
3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 47 caps)
4 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 27 caps)
5 Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 80 caps)
6 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 68 caps) – captain
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 27 caps)
8 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 80 caps)

Replacements
16 Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 73 caps)
17 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 20 caps)
18 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 78 caps)
19 Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 30 caps)
20 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 22 caps)
21 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 38 caps)
22 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 43 caps)
23 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 45 caps)